Israel has a vibrant art and music scene, from modern to ancient. Visitors to the country are spoiled with so much to do and see, and even lifelong locals can discover new experiences, galleries, and venues. We’ve listed some of the top spots to experience Israeli art and Israeli music when you’re there.
The Top 11 Spots for Israeli Art and Music
1. Suzanne Dellal Centre
The Suzanne Dellal Centre is the hub of artistic culture in Tel Aviv. Within the campus are several performance halls and an outdoor plaza where patrons can watch one of the 600 performances, shows, concerts, and festivals held throughout the year. Students of dance, music, and theatre are all taught at this institution, with special courses and workshops centering around the performing arts offered regularly.
2. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
Israel’s first art museum, the Tel Aviv Museum Of Art was founded in 1932 and is dedicated to preserving and displaying local art, both old and new. The museum houses the largest collection of art from Israel to be seen anywhere in the world. It offers its visitors the chance to experience the visual arts, architecture, design, performance, music, and film. There are currently seven permanent exhibitions and nine temporary exhibits. The concert hall has regular musical performances, events, and concerts.
3. Jerusalem House of Quality
Established in 1963, the Jerusalem House of Quality is located inside a historic building that once served as an eye clinic for the St. John Hospital and has been promoting Jerusalem artists and art for over 50 years. Visitors to the center can see rotating exhibitions in the gallery, attend lectures, conferences, and music and cultural events.
Guided tours demonstrate the city’s history and its unique arts and craft scene. See the artisan workshops and their many creations, including contemporary Judaica art, glassware, jewelry, mosaics, and ceramics. Guests are invited to finish their visit with a trip to the roof for a unique panoramic view of the city.
4. Ein Hod Artists’ Village
Located at the foot of Mount Carmel, on the road to Haifa, is the artists’ village of Ein Hod. In the 1950s, a group of artists, led by Marcel Janco, set up shop and home in an area that was abandoned and left in ruin. The artists build homes, studios, and workshops. Gradually, Ein Hod became Israel’s only village of its kind and one of very few in the world. The artists create art in many forms, including visual art, theatre, music, and literature.
The diverse inhabitants of the village co-exist following the general principles of reciprocity. Visitors can explore institutions like The Ein Hod Art Gallery, Janco-Dada Museum, and the Artists House and experience regular concerts, guest lectures, and other forms of entertainment. Also within the village are restaurants and coffee houses that serve as social gathering spots.
5. Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair
Every Tuesday and Friday, the usually calm streets of Nahalat Binyamin in Tel Aviv come alive with local artists displaying and selling their work. All work is handmade and sold by the artists themselves. Offerings include everything from ceramics to paintings, blown glass, jewelry, and much more.
6. Bezalel Arts and Crafts Street Fair
Fridays mark the day of the arts and craft fair in Jerusalem. Setting up between Bezalel Street and Shmuel HaNagid Street, professionals will sit alongside young and up-and-coming artists to sell their work. The colorful market is full of handmade items, such as drawings, paintings, photography, textiles, wood, glass, ceramics, metal, and jewelry.
7. The Chamber Music Centre
Lovers of classical music should head to The Chamber Music Centre in Tel Aviv. Operating under The Ted and Lin Arison Israel Conservatory of Music, the center presents many concerts and recitals throughout the year. The center is home to a wealth of talented local musicians and they invite musicians from across the world to collaborate in producing the finest of Israeli music as well as music from around the world.
8. Gordon Street
Gordon Street in Tel Aviv is packed with art galleries and is known as the Gallery District. Spend the whole day jumping from one gallery to another, taking in different styles, eras, and themes. Maybe the most famous, Gordon Gallery is known for its collection of fine local art. Since 1966, it has held hundreds of exhibitions showcasing contemporary local art and representing today’s leading and upcoming Israeli artists.
The N&N Aman Gallery focuses on contemporary Israeli art, from young and emerging artists and has featured notable artists such as Michael Argov and Elad Armon. The gallery displays work in various forms, including painting, photography, installation, video, and digital art. Other popular galleries include Engel Gallery, Givon Art Gallery, Stern Gallery, and The Kibbutz Art Gallery.
9. The Israeli Opera House
Since its founding in 1945, The Israeli Opera House has delivered outstanding performances of well-known operas alongside original Israeli operas, such as Alpha & Omega by Gil Shohat, and Josef by Josef Tal and Israel Eliraz. These newly commissioned shows developed by Israeli artists give spectators a performance that is uniquely Israeli. The Opera House performs around eight productions every season featuring world-famous artists from across the globe alongside local Israeli talent.
10. Artists Quarter, Jaffa
One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, the Artists Quarter is home to many Israeli artists, art galleries, workshops, restaurants, and cafes. Walk the ancient cobbled streets and revel in the architecture while browsing the art in galleries and street sellers.
11. Museum on the Seam
Located on the line between East and West of Jerusalem, the Museum on the Seam is a socio-political contemporary art museum. Art is used as an international language to raise awareness for diverse social issues, such as the damaging effects of plastic, fashion, consumerism, artificial intelligence, big cities, and democracy. Since 1999 the museum has been dedicated to dialogue, understanding, and coexistence. In 2005 it became the first socio-political museum in Israel for contemporary art, still dedicated to promoting equality, human rights, and diversity.
With art and music so much a part of everyday life in Israel, experiencing it all could take a lifetime. Follow Masa Israel Journey to learn more about Israeli art, Israeli music, and Israeli life!
